Airtel completes modernization of African network

Bharti Airtel has successfully upgraded its network across 16 African countries, in association with Ericsson as part of the ongoing five-year multi-country managed services agreement signed in 2011.

Ericsson facilitated the upgradation and expansion of network elements on all Airtel’s African operations including switching, radio, network management, data, charging, and consumer-services platforms and systems. Ericsson has deployed latest wireless technologies to deliver next generation services including high speed data and value added services. Ericsson has also upgraded charging platforms.

The company said the project was undertaken with the help of 12,000 consulting and systems integration professionals across the world and over 100 resources worked onsite to ensure successful delivery of this complex project.

Lars Lindén, head of Ericsson Sub-Saharan Africa said, “In the transition to a Networked Society in Africa, operators are facing growing challenges in meeting the rapidly evolving demands of consumers. The focus of this project was transforming Airtel Africa’s networks to meet current and future consumer demands."

This transformation program follows the 2011 announcement of an ongoing five year multi-country managed services agreement, wherein Ericsson would manage and optimise Airtel's mobile networks across Africa.